regional development, cultural heritage and...

Keios is a multidisciplinary consulting company, providing planning, design and technical assistance services in the fields of urban and regional development, cultural heritage and sustainable tourism

Keios is an independent company established in 1984 in Rome, Italy. Since then, we have successfully undertaken a wide range of development projects in different countries, ranging from countrywide strategies to individual site planning and design. Throughout the world, we have delivered high quality services in many areas including coun-tries of the Mediterranean, the Middle East, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. Our services cover a full range of planning scales, from laws and poli-cies, nation-wide masterplans, regional and urban plans, to urban upgrading and regeneration projects, destination development plans and feasibility stu-dies. These activities are carried out in our leading sectors of sustainable tou-rism, urban development and cultural heritage, often with a holistic approach. In our approach to design, we incorpora-te strong “green building” concepts and we aim at creating landmark projects that become “destinations”, fully inte-grated within the surrounding context.

We always aim at sustainability by inte-grating a strong participatory approach and a focus on environmental conser-vation and social inclusion.Our permanent team is composed of ar-chitects, planners, designers, managers, technicians and administrative staff. We work in collaboration with a well-e-stablished network of international partners sharing values, approaches and working methods. We are able to quickly mobilize high-qualified, mul-ti-disciplinary teams in a wide range of disciplines through a number of resour-ces, including a trusted inner circle of permanent consultants and a wide ro-ster of experts. In all our work, we are committed to un-derstanding the challenges of our clien-ts and delivering excellence in profes-sional services, with a specific focus on contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 UN Agenda.

www.keios.it

We deliver planning & design services on the global market,

best international standards

in our leading sectors of expertise,

Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 UN Agenda

in line with the

contributing to the achievement of the

We ensure sound project management through a dedicated team providing continuous support from the home office to field operations. Backstopping services include organization, technical and financial management, detailed planning, management of changes, ICT services, logistics, site missions and document control.

Project managementWe operate under an ISO 9001 quality management system that applies to consulting services including technical assistance for development program-mes, land and town planning, strategic and physical planning of development projects based on cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, architectural desi-gn of restoration, adaptive re-use and new buildings.

Quality management We believe that participation in planning and development is a key element for the successful delivery of technical assistan-ce. We are able to design and implement participatory actions including public workshops, surveys and meetings aiming at encouraging community par-ticipation and raising public awareness. The participatory process is carried out in strict coordination with our clients/beneficiaries and is based on detailed stakeholders’ analyses.

Participatory approach

4 continents4 fields of specialisation

100+site missions

25+ countries

Our expertise in the field covers a full range of services including master planning, urban upgrading and urban regeneration projects

Urban and regional development

In urban projects, we are committed to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, according to the 2030 UN Agenda for sustainable development

Albania. Urban upgrading of the cities of Berat and Përmet (Albanian Development Fund, 2018-underway).

Sri Lanka. Urban upgrading of the city of Kandy (Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, 2015-underway)

Caribbean region. Housing sector policy, strategy and operational guidelines (Caribbean Development Bank, 2018-underway)

Burundi. Master plans of four secondary cities: Ruyigi, Rutana, Cankuzo et Mwaro (Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Equipment, 2017-2018)

Caribbean region. Urban sector policy, strategy and operational guidelines (Caribbean Development Bank, 2016-2018)

Jordan. Master plan of Wadi Araba region (Jordan Valley Authority, 2015-2016)

Congo. Master Plans of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire (Water, Electricity and Urban Development Project, 2014-2016)

Morocco. Urban regeneration of the area “Carrières Centrales” (Casablanca Urban Council, 2008-2016)

Bhutan. Spatial planning act and standards (Ministry of Human Settlement, 2015)

Djibouti. Detailed urban plans of some areas of Djibouti-city (Djibouti Social Development Agency, 2014-2015)

Djibouti. Master Plan of Djibouti-city (Djibouti Social Development Agency, 2012-2014)

Cameroon. Feasibility study for the preservation and development of Douala’s cultural heritage (Douala Urban Council, 2009)

Gabon. Revision of the master plan of the city of Libreville. (Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, 2008-2009)

Mauritania. Regeneration and modernization of the city of Boutilimit (“Ville Nouvelle de Boutilimit” Project, 2008-2009)

Morocco. New urban centre of Chwiter near Marrakech (Maremco, 2006-2007)

Morocco. New urban centre of Sidi Abdellah Ghiat near Marrakech (Riad Sultan, 2006-2007)

Pakistan. Feasibility study for the sustainable development of the Walled City of Lahore (The World Bank, 2005)

Jordan. Secondary cities urban revitalisation study (The World Bank, 2004-2005)

Morocco. Heritage trails in the Medina of Fez (Government of Morocco ADER-FES, 2001-2005)

Surveys, analyses and assessments at national, regional and local level

Policies, legal frameworks, strategies and action programmes

Regional planning, city planning, urban design

Environmental, social, and economic impact assessments

Feasibility and pre-feasibility studies

Digital mapping, thematic mapping, GIS services

Architectural design, building information modelling (BIM), 3D and 4D visualisation

Graphic design of visual materials

Our experience Our services

In 2015, Keios was awarded the consultan-cy for the preparation of the Master Plans of Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, in the fra-mework of the PEEDU project funded by the World Bank. Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire oc-cupy privileged positions in the Central Africa region: Brazzaville, historic town on the ban-ks of the Congo River, is a political and mee-ting hub in Central Africa; Pointe-Noire, loca-ted on the Atlantic coast, is an important port city for Central Africa and the economic ca-

pital of Congo. The objective of the manda-te was to elaborate, through a participatory and cross-sectoral approach, two coherent and realistic master plans aimed at defining the framework of urban development of the cities in the short, medium and long terms. On 2nd May 2018, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Congo adopted the two draft Decrees, respectively approving the master plan for the city of Brazzaville and the master plan for the city of Pointe-Noire.

Wadi Araba is the part of the Jordan Valley that extends from the southern Ghors to the Gulf of Aqaba, with a total length of about 165 km and a width of 9-25 km. The project has delivered to the Jordan Valley Authori-ty the Wadi Araba Integrated Development Master Plan, which will guide the develop-ment of the region in an efficient, balanced and sustainable way over the next 30 ye-ars for the benefit of Jordan and of the lo-cal communities. The master plan includes

provisions for the sustainable use of land, investment needed to improve the quality of life of local communities, development of sustainable economic activities including strategies to attract investment, transport and infrastructure required to support the future development. A strong focus is placed on sustainability through environmental, so-cial and economic assessments based on the principles of social progress, ecological balance and growth.

The Caribbean is a highly urbanised region with roughly 52% of its total population living in urban areas. Its cities are very diversified in terms of size, growth rates, economic, social and environmental opportunities and vulne-rabilities. Due to their historic development, many Caribbean cities are also influenced by their location in coastal zones subject to the vagaries of climate change.The objective of the assignment was to assist the Caribbean Development Bank

in establishing a positive role in supporting its Member States in responding to their challenges.The activities included a review of key issues currently confronting urban development and drafting a new Urban Sector Policy and Strategy as well as the associated Operatio-nal Guidelines. A Regional Workshop on the urban challenges was also held for consul-tation and dissemination purposes, invol-ving the nineteen Caribbean countries.

Master plans of brazzaville and pointe-noire, congo

Wadi Araba Integrated Regional Development Plan, Jordan

Urban sector policy for the carribean development bank

Our experience in the sector ranges from national master plans to feasibility studies and design of specific tourism destinations

Tourism & development

A balance must be established between the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions of tourism development to guarantee its long-term sustainability

Lesotho. National tourism master plan (Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, 2017-underway)

Zimbabwe. National tourism master plan (Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, 2015-2016)

Jordan. Master plan of Wadi Araba region (Jordan Valley Authority, 2015-2016)

Rwanda. Sustainable tourism master plan (Rwanda Development Board, 2013-2015)

Rwanda. Master plan and design of the Kigali Cultural Village (Rwanda Development Board, 2011-2013)

Ethiopia. Feasibility study for Entoto city-view destination development in Addis Ababa (Ministry of Tourism, 2012)

Egypt. National sustainable tourism strategic plan (Tourism Development Authority, 2007-2009)


Pakistan. A study on the development of sustainable tourism in the Gilgit-Baltistan region (The World Bank, 2008-2009)

Pakistan. Feasibility study for the sustainable development of the Walled City of Lahore: cultural heritage and tourism (The World Bank, 2005)



Policies and legal frameworks

Strategic plans, master plans and action programmes

Site destination and physical development plans

Product development plans and marketing studies

Digital mapping, thematic mapping, and GIS services

Site presentation and signage systems

Environmental, social, and economic impact assessments




OUR EXPERIENCE OUR SERVICES

Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of Southern African tourism for decades, with such iconic destinations as Victoria Falls being most visible. The country has been re-garded as a ‘must see’ for international touri-sts, a highly regarded destination for regional leisure and business travel and an excellent domestic holiday destination. The overall objective of the consultancy was to develop a clear and concise tourism ma-ster plan as the overarching guide to the de-

velopment of tourism by providing direction to product development and diversification, spatial organization of tourism, infrastructu-re development, manpower development, community participation, preservation of nature, culture and heritage and marketing and promotion strategies. The master plan was completed by the preparation of Touri-sm Development Zones Plans for ten priority areas. The master plan has been officially launched on 19th May 2018.

National Tourism Master Plan for Zimbabwe

In 2007, the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt, through the Tourist Development Authority, appointed a multi-disciplinary team of con-sultants to prepare a long term National Su-stainable Tourism Strategic Plan to address the strategic approach to tourism develop-ment for the whole country at the horizon of the year 2020, with a target of 25 million in-ternational visitors per year. The assignment was carried out in three phases: baseline re-view of the existing conditions, including, an

extensive programme of site visits and con-sultations with key stakeholders, concluding with the elaboration of a preliminary vision and a set of growth scenarios; the preparation of a draft tourism policy and of the strategic plan for the year 2020; and the preparation of a five years action plan including phasing of tasks, responsibilities for initiating and execu-tion of initiatives and a management structu-re to oversee performance, complemented by a detailed five-year marketing plan.

Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan of Egypt

The Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Develop-ment Project, supported by the World Bank, has been implemented recognizing the role of tourism in creating more job opportunities and alleviating poverty. In the northern out-skirts of Addis Ababa lays the Entoto Moun-tain (3200 m). It includes a wide array of re-markable natural and cultural assets ready to emerge as a new eco-tourism destination. The objective of the mandate was develo-ping the Entoto Mountain and position it as a

world class eco-friendly tourism destination. The feasibility study has determined a deve-lopment scenario based on the cultural and natural assets, low-impact facilities and an innovative public-private partnership model. The Addis Ababa City Government is cur-rently implementing the development project by means of the “Entoto and Surrounding Tourist Destination Development Project Office”. Tenders for detailed design and con-struction have been launched in 2017-2018.

Feasibility study for the Entoto destination, Ethiopia

Culture and developmentCultural heritage is a non-renewable resource and its use for economic development purposes must be seen also as an opportunity for its conservation

Our work has taken place in several sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List such as the Charterhouse of San Lorenzo at Padula (Italy), the cultural heritage of Niger, the Medina of Fez (Morocco), the Walled City of Lahore (Pakistan) and the city of Kandy (Sri Lanka), the city of Berat (Albania)

Albania. Urban upgrading of the cities of Berat and Përmet (Albanian Development Fund, 2018-underway).

Sri Lanka. Urban upgrading of the city of Kandy (Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, 2015-underway)

Lesotho. National tourism master plan (Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, 2017-underway)

Zimbabwe. National tourism master plan (Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, 2015-2016)

Rwanda. Sustainable tourism master plan (Rwanda Development Board, 2013-2015)

Rwanda. Master plan and design of the Kigali Cultural Village (Rwanda Development Board, 2011-2013)

Ethiopia. Feasibility study for Entoto city-view destination development in Addis Ababa (Ministry of Tourism, 2012)


Morocco. Feasibility study for the adaptive re-use of the Bab Makina ensemble in Fez (Agence du Partenariat pour le Progrès, 2008-2009)

Egypt. National sustainable tourism strategic plan (Tourism Development Authority, 2007-2009)

Pakistan. Feasibility study for the sustainable development of the Walled City of Lahore: cultural heritage and tourism (The World Bank, 2005)



Niger. A study concerning the preservation and improvement of the cultural heritage (European Commission, 1995-1996)

Italy. Restoration of the ancient Castle of Monteverde (Ministry of Culture, 1995)

Policies, strategic plans and action programmes

Historical investigations, context studies, socio-economic analyses

Topographic and architectural surveys

Digital mapping, thematic mapping, and GIS services


Design for restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive re-use projects

Site presentation, interpretation and signage systems



Kandy is the main urban centre in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It aspires to become a liveable and vibrant historic city encapsu-lating urban culture, identity and religious significance. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth which houses the Buddha’s tooth relic, thus making it one of the most revered cities in the country. The main objective of the as-signment is to upgrade key urban areas that will contribute towards transforming this city

in a vibrant tourism and economic centre. The project aims at improving liveability by protecting the environment and developing the urban centre, reorganizing city fun-ctions to increase investment attractiveness, enhancing public urban spaces and achie-ving significant urban transformation to re-spond to economic growth. The total cost of selected investment projects is around 25 million USD. Urban upgrading works are cur-rently underway.

Urban upgrading interventions in Kandy, Sri Lanka

In the national context of Pakistan, the Wal-led City of Lahore stands out for the clashing contrast between the astounding cultural heritage and the poverty of the population. The purpose of the feasibility study was to identify a project for the sustainable de-velopment of the Walled City by ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage while exploiting it as a resource to alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions. The general concept included a pilot project,

involving a portion of the Walled City, to showcase methods and benefits of the ap-proach. The pilot area was the Royal Route, the trail that Moghul Emperors followed en-tering the Walled City to reach their Palace.The project is currently under implementa-tion by the Provincial Government of Punjab with assistance of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. As of 2016, a marked increase of nine to ten-fold of foreign tourists has been recorded during the last four to five years.

the Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan

The outstanding value of the Fez Medina has been acknowledged by UNESCO since 1981 by inscribing it in the World Herita-ge List. The city is an environmental, urban and architectural continuum of outstanding charm, great complexity and extraordinary beauty, with a surface of about 350 hecta-res, entirely pedestrian. The WB funded an extensive program of rehabilitation of the Medina, including six thematic heritage trails of approximately 19.5 km, to support the visit

of the historic medina. The project included urban restoration, visitors’ facilities, adaptive re-use of ruined buildings and rehabilita-tion of ten traditional ablutions. Our activi-ties covered the concept and detail design, cost-benefit analysis, works supervision and the preparation of a guidebook and a Medina map. As per the WB official project completion report (2006), the project had a significant impact on the attractiveness of the Medina for cultural touristm.

Heritage trails in the Medina of Fez, Morocco

Public facilitiesPublic facilities contribute to the improvement of the living standards and social inclusion of local communities

Ivory Coast. Master plan and design of the Free Zone of Grand-Bassam (African Development Bank, 2017)

Sri Lanka. Urban upgrading of the city of Kandy (Ministry of Urban Development, 2015-underway)

Senegal. Preliminary design of the Second University of Dakar (Ministry of Higher Education and Research, 2013-2014)

Ivory Coast. Design of buildings in the framework of the ‘Support to Justice’ project (Politecnica, 2013-2014)

Rwanda. Master planning and design of the new Kigali Cultural Village (Rwanda Development Board, 2011-2013)

Italy. Centre for the assistance to people with disabilities in Fonte (Ministry of Health, 2007-2008)

Italy. Infant school and nursery school (Municipality of Crevalcore, 2006-2008)

Italy. Common services buildings in the port of Taranto (Port Authority, 2003-2006)

Italy. New building of law and economics faculties (University of Cassino, 1997-2004)

Italy. Feasibility study for the realization of the Polytechnic of the Mediterranean. (Sicily Region, 2002-2005)

Nicaragua, Guatemala. Identification of rehabilitation projects in the education sector (European Commission, 1999)

Botswana. Upgrading of the BRIDEC vocational training centre of Gaborone (Government of Botswana, 1998-1999)

Pre-feasibility and feasibility studies

Topographic and architectural surveys




We incorporate in our designs strong “green building” concepts, conceived not only as a high technology exercise: we believe that sustainability in design is achieved also by rediscovering and understanding traditional building concepts that can be re-proposed as founding elements in contemporary design

The first-ever Ivorian Free-zone, namely the Free-zone of Biotechnology and ICT (ZBTIC) has been launched in the framework of the new National Development Program 2016-2020, which aims at stimulating a sustained and inclusive growth, driven by the private sector, and structural transformation of the economy. The ZBTIC is supposed to host hi-tech industries with a high potential for growth and job creation.The ZBTIC is placed in proximity of the town

of Grand-Bassam, a seaside destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site, not far from Abidjan. In this context, the African Develop-ment Bank supported the implementation of the ZBTIC through technical assistance to VITIB SA, a joint venture of the government with national and international private part-ners. Our services included urban, enginee-ring and architectural studies for the deve-lopment of the area and the preparation of 3D and 4D models of the whole project.

The Second University of Dakar aims to be an educational infrastructure delivering excellence in education and research. Par-ticular emphasis will be placed on science, technology, business, economics, manage-ment and social science in connection with the labour market, contributing to national development and poverty reduction. The university will host 30,000 students, a third of these will be residents in the college. The university is established on several sites,

with a total area of about 213 ha, in the new urban centre of Diamniadio, of which the uni-versity will become the distinctive activity. The activities included the preliminary stu-dies, the development of the educational concept, the development of the urban and architectural concept, and the preparation of a business plan for the construction and maintenance of the campus as a PPP. The project is currently under implementation.

The Government of Rwanda has been in-vesting in tourism facilities to diversify the country’s tourism products and improve the experience of visitors. The establishment of the new Kigali Cultural Village (KCV) is part of this programme. The vision of the KCV is to be a landmark within the city of Kigali, showcasing traditional architecture, empha-sizing Rwandan heritage and expressing the country’s social life and environment. The project concept rests on the idea of a

low-density, multifunctional park, on ap-proximately 30 ha, integrating a range of facilities, venues, programmes and services. Different thematic areas will guide visitors in the fruition of the site, letting them experien-ce Rwanda’s nature, culture and history. Our activities included the overall master plan and architectural design of all the facilities. The project is currently under implementation.

Second University of Dakar, Senegal

New Cultural Village in Kigali, Rwanda

Master plan of the free-zone of Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast

Keios S.r.l. Via Guglielmo Calderini, 6800196 Roma, Italy T +39 (06) 3233 296 F +39 (06) 3233 313 email [email protected] www.keios.it

Brochure design & photos by Keios® English, 2018

regional development, cultural heritage and...

Documents